Adopt A Shelter Pet Day

April 30 is National Adopt A Pet Day!  We have heard that many shelters have no pets available for adoption and that really warms our hearts! We love knowing that even though the coronavirus pandemic was difficult and challenging, pets found homes and were not in shelters! 

Have you ever considered adopting a pet from a shelter? Don't be fearful to do so. Not every pet you find in a shelter has been "dumped" because they were a "problem." Some pets are surrendered because of a change in circumstance of the pet parent and through no fault of the dog or cat's own they find themselves homeless and in shelters awaiting a new, loving family. 

Here are some of the reasons we love that April 30 has been set aside to celebrate the love of a shelter pet and why we hope you will decide to adopt or even foster a dog or cat in need of a loving home. 

Shelter pets truly appear grateful to their new owners. They are happy to be out of the noise and scents of the shelter. Keep in mind, though, depending on how long the dog or cat was in the shelter, it may take them some time to adjust to home life so give them time to adjust. 

Shelter pets give unconditional love. 

If you adopt a shelter pet you are saving a life! 

Adopt-don't-shop is a mantra many in the pet world will tout and we agree with that because we know that you can find a purebred dog or cat in a shelter. You can also rescue a purebred dog or cat from a breed specific rescue. Do a Google search for breed-specific rescues. 

Give your shelter dog or cat some new toys and a bed or even a crate of his or her own. Your new pet may just want to get away from the hustle and bustle of their new home life and knowing they have a bed of their own is a very comforting feeling for them. 

If your dog (especially dogs) will be left home alone when you go back to work, make sure he has toys to keep him occupied. You may also want to ask a friend or family member or a pet sitting professional to come over and walk your dog during the day. 

Some dogs benefit from having the television or a radio turned on to keep them company when you're away. 

Don't forget to give your new cat a scratching post and toys to keep her occupied and prevent her scratching your furniture. 

If you're adopting a hamster or a guinea pig (and yes, these pets are surrendered, too) invest in some toys and a habitat that will keep them safe and entertained. 

Don't wait until April 30 to adopt a shelter pet. Even if you can't adopt a pet, consider fostering. Some people who can't adopt or foster pay for the adoption fee of a shelter pet. Reach out to your local shelter and ask what items they may need to help keep the pets in their care well-taken care of -- many shelters thrive and rely upon donations to care for the pets in their shelters. 

Magoo's Pets has all the pet-centric items you need to keep your new pet happy and healhy!